"YAN" Tea Box

A masterfully constructed tea set box made utilizing ancient Chinese box making techniques and joinery.

The solid teak box is designed to store a precious tea set included teapot cups and dishes, and the lid is removable and can also be used as a serving tray.

I enjoy collecting ancient Chinese furniture, and the fragments of old mortise and tenon joints. I prefer collecting the joinery because it gives me insight into the minds of the carpenter. They are not some famous creator, just an average artisan trying to make a piece of furniture for their children, or for their own home. For me these works are perfect...

Every time I have observed these joints, I ask myself these questions: why did they make the joints this way? What is the function of these joints? Why use this kind of wood to make this piece and not others? How can it be so harmonious with the local environment? And in turn I propose the same questions on myself.

Have you ever seen the microscopic structure of wood cells? I am fascinated by them. I think they are the best art in the world. It contains the universe, you can see everything here: sometimes a butterfly, or a star, an abstract painting. All the interpretations, the meaningless lines, spots and symbols are the inspiration for my works.

I love nature too. I love to stay in a natural environment for extended periods of time so I can soak up the energy from every single plant. My family goes to climb mountains every weekend and we are full of energy and optimism when we get there. All of this contributes to my aesthetic vision.

The final thing that has shaped my work has been wood identification, which I have been studying since 2006 from Su Zhonghai. These years of studies have taught me to utilize the inherent qualities found in certain wood types to enhance the function of my work. For instance, when making storage boxes I like to line the interior with Paulownia wood, which has a high and steady resonance frequency. Paulownia also is breathability, and can absorb humidity in the air in order to maintain the ideal balance for storing things like rice, coffee or tea.

My work is a result of my combined understanding of wood and my aesthetic vision.